Tech Sisters And The Impostor Syndrome

If you're a woman in tech or a 'tech sis' as we now call it, chances are you've experienced impostor syndrome at some point in your career. For those who don't know, impostor syndrome is "a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their abilities and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud." In other words, it's that nagging feeling that you're not good enough, no matter how much evidence there is to the contrary.?

And unfortunately, it's something that plagues women in tech more than men. A study by LinkedIn found that nearly 50% of women surveyed have experienced impostor syndrome at some point in their career, compared to just 24% of men. So why do women in tech feel like they're not good enough? There are a few factors at play.?

Childhood Upbringing

The roots of the impostor syndrome can be traced back to early childhood. For girls, learning to code is often seen as unfeminine or "masculine," which can lead to feelings of inadequacy. In addition, women in tech are often surrounded by men who may be more confident or vocal about their skills, leading them to doubt their own abilities.

Gender Bias

Unconscious bias can also play a role; studies have shown that both men and women are more likely to hire men for jobs in traditionally male-dominated fields, which can reinforce the idea that women don't belong in tech.?

Personal Standards

The impostor syndrome is often exacerbated by the "perfectionism trap." Perfectionism is common among high achievers and can lead them to set unreasonably high standards for themselves. This is especially true since many women in tech feel like they have to prove themselves more than their male counterparts. They worry that if they make a mistake, people will assume it's because they're not as qualified as a man would be. This puts even more pressure on them to be perfect, which only exacerbates the problem further.? Thus, when they inevitably fall short of those standards, they see it as evidence that they're not good enough—when in reality, it just means they're human.?

Moreover, the impostor syndrome can have very real consequences for women in tech. When left unchecked, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and even burnout. It can also impact productivity and creativity, and prevent employees from speaking up and sharing their ideas. In extreme cases, it may even cause some women to leave the tech industry altogether.?

Fortunately, there are ways to combat the impostor syndrome.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step to overcoming impostor syndrome is acknowledging that you're experiencing it. It's easy to push your feelings of self-doubt aside and pretend like everything is fine. But the sooner you accept that you're struggling with impostor syndrome, the sooner you can start working on overcoming it.?

Talk to Someone Who Can Relate

One of the best things you can do when you're feeling like an impostor is talk to someone who understands what you're going through. Find a mentor, join a support group, or simply reach out to a friend or family member who will be understanding and supportive. Talking about your feelings is a key part of managing impostor syndrome.?

Remember That Everyone Feels Like an Imposter Sometimes

It's important to remember that everyone experiences impostor syndrome from time to time—even the most successful people in the world. If you're feeling like an impostor, just know that you're not alone. Chances are, there are plenty of other people around you who are feeling the same way.?

Focus on Your Strengths

When you're struggling with impostor syndrome, it's easy to dwell on your weaknesses and doubt your abilities. But instead of fixating on what you can't do, try to focus on what you can do well. Make a list of your strengths and accomplishments, and refer back to it whenever you start feeling like an impostor. Reminding yourself of your successes is a great way to boost your confidence and remind yourself that you are capable of accomplishing great things.?

Take Small Steps Towards Your Goal

Last but not least, one of the best ways to overcome impostor syndrome is to take small steps towards your goal. If your goal feels unattainable or too difficult, break it down into smaller pieces so it feels more manageable. And don't forget to celebrate each accomplishment along the way! Seeing tangible evidence of your progress will help boost your confidence and remind you that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.??

The impostor syndrome is a real problem for women in tech—but it doesn't have to be. By raising awareness of the issue and acknowledging the unique challenges women face, we can start to break down the barriers that stand in our way. And ultimately, we can create a more level playing field where everyone can succeed based on their merits alone.